NFA grad finds new role with Arizona Cardinals

SAN FRANCISCO — It’s not exactly how he scripted it, and you wouldn’t know it by looking at box scores, but Matt Shaughnessy is once again making a major impact in the National Football League.

The 2005 Norwich Free Academy graduate, whose career began strong with the Oakland Raiders but had a disappointing 2012 season after shoulder surgery in 2011, signed a one-year ($1 million) contract with the Arizona Cardinals (3-3) this offseason.

A defensive end by trade, Shaughnessy wasn’t a starter to begin the season and didn’t expect to play the unheralded “Sam” linebacker position — or strongside — but that all changed after teammates’ injuries. Shaughnessy made his third consecutive start Sunday in Arizona’s 32-20 loss to San Francisco.

“I play Sam linebacker now, so it has me standing up because a few times I’ve got coverage (responsibilities),” Shaughnessy said sitting in front of his locker after Sunday’s 32-20 loss to the 49ers. “So I can’t be down in the stance because I’ve got to see what’s coming to me.”

Key role

Shaughnessy played 58 of 67 defensive snaps for Arizona Sunday and on 51 of those he didn’t have a hand in the dirt like he typically did with NFA, Wisconsin or the Raiders. Also a staple on the Cardinals’ extra point and field goal block units, Shaughnessy is on the field often for Arizona’s defense which ranks fifth in the NFL against the rush.

“Matt is a very versatile player,” said Cardinals’ 4th-year veteran defensive tackle Dan Williams. “If we need him to, he could come inside and play the (defensive) line and he’s probably one of our best outside linebackers helping us stop the run...I’m definitely happy he’s here.”

Unlike his defensive end role which allowed him to notch 7 1/2 sacks in 2010 and grade as Pro Football Focus’ fifth-ranked 4-3 defensive end against the rush, Shaughnessy’s new position doesn’t lend itself to gaudy statistics. Instead, the linebacker’s main responsibility is to “set the edge” — meaning Shaughnessy’s 6-foot-5 frame forces running backs inside rather than bouncing outside for larger gains. In other words, when Shaughnessy does his job well, someone else gets credited with the tackle.

“When they say ‘set the edge’ he’s going to try to set the edge and that’s what he’s going to do,” said 49ers’ running back Frank Gore who referred to Shaughnessy as ‘the big guy.’ “He’s strong and big, look at him. He’s (expletive) 6-5, 280 (pounds) and he plays hard.”

Opponents respect

All five 49ers’ starting offensive linemen had positive things to say about the former NFA standout after seeing him on the field.

“He’s a real physical, strong player,” said 49ers’ All-Pro tackle Joe Staley. “He plays tough and competes well and he created a lot of problems for us in the run game. He’s the reason why we couldn’t get a lot of stuff going because the way he sets that edge over there so he’s done a great job of stepping in. You know, they’ve had some injuries and he’s playing out of position a little bit, but he’s done a good job.”

For 49ers’ guard Alex Boone, Sunday’s matchup against Shaughnessy was a reunion. Boone played for Ohio State when Shaughnessy was earning All-Big Ten Conference honors at Wisconsin.

“I remember playing him in college and he was a load. Nothing has changed, he’s a good player,” Boone said. “I think he does a great job for them keeping everything inside... He was a great player back then and he still is. He’s one of those guys that’s a defensive end converted outside backer and I know he probably feels a little out of sorts out there, but he does a hell of a job.”

Quiet demeanor

Shaughnessy isn’t long-winded, he bleeds modesty and teammates describe him as laid back. However, much like his play — if you’re not careful — he’ll catch you off guard when you least expect it.

With the third quarter winding down Sunday and the television audience safely on commercial break, Shaughnessy was keeping it light on the sideline with Calais Campbell, exchanging subtle dance moves to the Candlestick Park sound bytes.

“He is a quiet guy, except he told me that I look like the mascot,” laughed 49ers’ fullback Bruce Miller whose red hair drew comparisons to San Francisco’s Sourdough Sam. “At the end of the game...‘By the way you look like the mascot.’ Which is true — kind of. But he’s not a trash talker — he’s a good dude.”

San Francisco tight end Vance McDonald, who was often assigned to block Shaughnessy Sunday, agrees.

“The dude plays just hard-nose football,” McDonald said. “He doesn’t have any trash talk and he talks with his pads.”

Family life

Recently engaged and expecting his first son on Dec. 12, Shaughnessy said the last time he was in Norwich was for a family member’s birthday in July.

“He’ll be very young so I don’t know about traveling back east (in the offseason), but I’m definitely going to try to,” Shaughnessy said.

If he does make it back, Shaughnessy may exchange stalking quarterbacks and running backs for a different kind of prey.

“He talks about hunting, so I think of him more of like a country boy,” Williams said. “He’s a free spirit. He walks around talking about (how) he’s going to go hunting in the offseason and stuff. He’s definitely a happy-go-lucky guy.”

A happy-go-lucky Norwich guy, that is.

“I’m just trying to do my best to represent Norwich and everybody from the town,” Shaughnessy said.